You’re Married! Now What?

After you’ve exchanged your vows and danced the night away with loved ones, what’s next? Take a moment to really soak in that newlywed bliss and just enjoy each other as you step into this exciting new chapter of life. Some couples head off on their honeymoon right away, while others prefer to plan it for later when the timing feels just right. Once you’re back and settled into your new routine, what’s the next step for you two?

 

Marriage License 

One of the first things to take care of after your wedding is making sure your marriage is officially legal! Your marriage license has two parts: one for you to keep and one that gets sent to the courts. If your officiant is submitting it for you, great! If you had a friend officiate and want to handle it yourself, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! When you get your marriage license, you’ll receive an envelope that’s already addressed to the court where you got it. Simply mail in the signed portion of your certificate. If you’re unsure about postage, just stop by your local post office for peace of mind. In some counties, you might even be able to drop it off in person! Within 1-4 weeks, you’ll get a notarized copy of your certificate, which you can use for any name changes. Be sure to keep that notarized copy in a safe spot!

Plan on Changing Your Name? Here’s Everything You Need to Know! 

Deciding whether or not one of you will change your name is totally up to you and your partner! There’s no pressure to make that choice if it doesn’t feel right for you. If you do decide to go ahead with it, you can get started as soon as you’ve received your notarized marriage certificate. Here’s a handy checklist of all the places you’ll need to update your name: 

• Social Security Card 
  • Visit a Social Security office or apply online (if eligible)
• Driver License 
  • Visit local DMV office with certified copy of marriage certificate & current drivers license
• Update vehicle titles & registration 
  • Visit local MVD with new Social Security card 
• Passport 
  • If your passport was issued less than a year ago, fill out form DS-5504 online
  • Fill out DS-82 online if it’s been over a year 
  • Fill out form DS-11 if you wish to apply in person
• Voter Registration
  • Visit vote.gov to find your state’s rules! You can register with your new name online, by mail, by phone, or in person at your local election office! 
• USPS
  • Visit the official USPS Change of Address page online, fill out the form with your new married name and submit! 
• Bank Account & Credit Cards 
  • Contact your bank and let them know you’ve changed your name! You will typically need your certified copy of your marriage license, updated Social Security card, and updated Driver’s License 
• Insurance 
  • Contact your carrier for medical, auto, home or renters to let them know of a name change!
• Bill Payments
  • Mortgage, utility, student loans, or wherever applies to you!
• Work
  • Notify your employer for 401k & payroll!
• Loyalty Programs & Subscriptions
  • Airlines, streaming services or wherever you have a card connected! 
• Social Media 
  • You can do this on the drive home from the wedding! 

Thank You Cards 

There are a lot of ‘etiquette’ rules floating around, but the best thing you can do is send those thank-you notes as soon as you’re able! When you can, be specific about the gift you received—it shows you really appreciate the thought behind it. Taking the time to thank each guest for celebrating with you will make them feel special. Bonus points if you use one of your sneak peek wedding photos for the cards! And remember, no matter what, it’s always better to send them late than never!

Organize/Sell/Donate Wedding Decor

Chances are, you brought home quite a bit of ‘stuff’ from your wedding—leftover alcohol, candles, a card box, and other decor. Take some time to decide what you want to keep and find a good spot for it in your home! You might also have friends or family getting married soon who could benefit from your leftover decor. If not, it’s a great time to start organizing what you’d like to sell or donate. Facebook Marketplace and wedding groups on Facebook are perfect places to sell decor, but if you’re just looking to clear it out, donating is always a great option!

 

Enjoy every moment of your newlywed life, always remembering where it all began, and never stop dating each other!